Full Breakdown
Two Campaign Workers Killed in Colombia Ahead of Presidential Election
5/17/2026, 12:51:18 PM
The Fatal Attack
On a Friday night in mid-May, two campaign workers for right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella were shot dead in a rural area of Cubarral, Meta province, southeastern Colombia. According to the Defenders of the Homeland party, four hooded men on motorcycles intercepted the victims and opened fire. The victims were Rogers Mauricio Devia, a former mayor of Cubarral who coordinated De La Espriella’s local campaign, and Fabian Cardona, who handled campaign logistics. Both were returning by motorcycle from Villavicencio with campaign materials when the attack occurred.
Key Figures and Campaign Context
Abelardo De La Espriella, a former senator, is the leading right-wing contender in the May 31 first-round presidential election, trailing leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda in opinion polls. Devia and Cardona were identified by the party as essential to the candidate’s ground operations in Meta, a region historically affected by armed conflict. De La Espriella’s party, Defenders of the Homeland, has framed the killings as politically motivated violence.
Background: Election and Security Landscape
Colombia’s presidential election is scheduled for May 31, with a runoff on June 21 if no candidate exceeds 50 % of the vote. De La Espriella has campaigned on a hard line against guerrilla groups, criminal gangs, and drug trafficking, promising measures such as bombing rebel camps and resuming aerial fumigation of coca crops. He has also alleged a recent sniper-assassination plot targeting him that involved members of government intelligence. The election will determine the successor to President Gustavo Petro.
Official Statements & Responses
De La Espriella released a video statement describing the killings as “cowardly” and “cold-blooded.” He attributed responsibility to a dissident faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, though he offered no evidence. Colombian authorities have not publicly assigned blame to any armed group, maintaining an open investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were cowardly murdered in cold blood,” — Abelardo De La Espriella, presidential candidate
Data & Statistics
- De La Espriella is second in current opinion polls, behind Ivan Cepeda.
- The election’s first round is set for May 31; a runoff would be held on June 21 if required.
Impact on Election Dynamics
The murders occur two weeks before voting, raising concerns about security and the candidate’s anti-guerrilla platform. The incident highlights violence targeting political actors in contested regions. The timing of the killings underscores the volatile security environment in the region.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
De La Espriella’s accusation against dissident FARC rebels contrasts with the authorities’ statement that no armed group has been formally implicated. No forensic or investigative details have been released, leaving the perpetrators’ identity unverified.
What’s Next
Security forces are expected to continue the investigation while election officials prepare for the May 31 vote. International observers will monitor the electoral process for any further incidents that could affect voter confidence.
